Md. Rule 17-206 (2026)

(a) Generally. Except as provided in section (b) of this Rule, an ADR practitioner designated by the court to conduct ADR other than mediation shall, unless the parties agree otherwise:

(1) abide by applicable standards adopted by Administrative Order of the Supreme Court and posted on the Judiciary website;

(2) submit to periodic monitoring of court-ordered ADR proceedings by a qualified person designated by the county administrative judge;

(3) comply with procedures and requirements prescribed in the court's case management plan filed under Rule 16-302 (b) relating to diligence, quality assurance, and a willingness, upon request by the court, to accept a reasonable number of referrals at a reduced-fee or pro bono;

(4) either (A) be a member in good standing of the Maryland bar and have at least five years of experience as (i) a judge, (ii) a practitioner in the active practice of law, (iii) a full-time teacher of law at an ABA-approved law school as defined in Rule 19-101, or (iv) a Federal or Maryland administrative law judge, or (B) have equivalent or specialized knowledge and experience in dealing with the issues in dispute; and

(5) have completed any training program required by the court.

(b) Judges and Magistrates. An active or retired judge or a magistrate of the court may chair a non-fee-for-service settlement conference.

Cross references: Rule 18-103.9 and Rule 18-203.9.

Source: This Rule is derived from Rule 17-105 (2012).

Credits

[Adopted Nov. 1, 2012, eff. Jan. 1, 2013. Amended Sept. 17, 2015, eff. Jan. 1, 2016; June 6, 2016, eff. July 1, 2016; April 9, 2018, eff. July 1, 2018; Nov. 19, 2019, eff. Jan. 1, 2020; April 21, 2023, eff. nunc pro tunc April 1, 2023; Nov. 5, 2025, eff. March 1, 2026.]